Americans Altered Eating Habits After Parasite Outbreak

Nearly a third of Americans reduced their consumption of fresh produce, and almost two-thirds altered their behavior this summer amid an outbreak of the cyclosporiasis parasite, according to a poll. The parasite, which caused severe gastrointestinal distress, led approximately 30% of individuals surveyed to buy less fresh produce.

The outbreak, which began around May, affected tens of thousands of people across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed nearly 20,000 cases between May 1 and August 31, although the actual number of illnesses is believed to be significantly higher. At least two deaths were attributed to the outbreak.

Beyond reducing grocery store purchases of fresh produce, 25% of respondents also cut back on the amount of produce they consumed when dining out. Additionally, 15% opted for frozen produce over fresh options, 35% increased their diligence in washing produce at home, and 10% reduced their purchases from farmers' markets.

The cyclosporiasis outbreak was initially linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which supplied the ingredient to Taco Bell. The contamination eventually spread, with more than a dozen other food items suspected of being affected, including pistachio nut butter, rice, blueberries, jalapeños, pork, and eggs.

The widespread illness had a noticeable impact on the market, with sales of leafy greens reportedly dropping up to 30% over the summer. Vegetable sales declined by 16%, and fruit sales decreased by 17%.

The CDC has since stopped providing regular updates on the outbreak as its intensity has lessened. However, the scale of the illness marked it as one of the largest food-borne disease outbreaks in U.S. history.